The 27-year-old has been without a club following his release by Brighton at the end the 2012/13 campaign.

The Irishman says he is looking forward to playing under Dale boss Keith Hill.

He told the club's official website: "The move came about pretty quickly and I'm looking forward to getting back out on the pitch.

"Because you haven't signed for a club straight away people think you are holding out for this or that but it wasn't the case. I spoke to a few clubs but for whatever reason things didn't work out.

"I spoke to Keith Hill and thought about the move for a bit. I spoke to a few players who have played under him and they all think highly of him so I think it'll be a good move for both of us.

"I have good memories playing against Rochdale and they have always put up a good show against the teams I have played in. There was Wembley and two great games when I played for Brighton, we drew two apiece so I know what Rochdale is all about.

"I'm looking forward to working with the gaffer too, I know him from his time at Rochdale and at Barnsley and you pick it up as a player how certain teams play. Keith Hill's sides play good attractive football and that will suit me."

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

t's wrong to be making a joke out of Bender's name at the expense of gay people. It's the kind of childish, uncivilised thing that Football365 would deride and ridicule if it was another media outlet saying. Why is there a need for jokes like this? Does it make your writers feel like men? F365 might suggest that I 'lighten up', but it is genuinely traumatic for people who have been oppressed all their lives to be the butt of jokes, and to be told...

ou can't blame De Gea for wanting to leave, he has enough to do in front of goal as it is as well as taking on the role of Man Utd's version of Derek Acorah in trying to contact and organise a defence that isn't there.